DES MOINES – Attorney General Tom Miller today issued the following statement following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to increase blended fuel mandates for ethanol and biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS):

“I applaud Obama administration’s decision not to waive the renewable fuel standard set by Congress for 2017, which will significantly increase the amount of renewable fuels oil refiners must blend into gasoline and diesel sold in the United States.

“I have long been a strong advocate for ethanol and urged the EPA to take similar action in January of 2014. As I stated then and is true now, the production of renewable fuels is a critical part of Iowa’s economy – providing a key market for agricultural crops and creating thousands of jobs. The EPA’s action is consistent with Congress’ intent to move the U.S. toward greater energy independence and security, in addition to increasing the production of clean renewable fuels.”